Sarahah…the new app everyone is talking about

Sarahah (meaning ‘honesty’ in Arabic) is an anonymous messaging service available on Android, IOs and the Web. Once a user registers, they can give the link to their friends or post it publicly online and anyone with that link can send them anonymous messages. The recipient has no way of knowing who posted the message or responding to it in any way.

Despite several websites claiming to be able to reveal who sent these messages, this is false. These websites are designed to infect your computer or steal your data. There is no way to see who sent the messages unless the person tells you. This is an obvious tool for bullying.

In the last few days, I have personally seen this app used to send spiteful and nasty messages to a friend of mine. An adult being bullied by other adults, simply because it is anonymous and they get a kick out of it. While it is possible to hide your username from the app search results, once someone has your link they can message you.

Outside of a few business purposes I can think of no valid reason for this app. The Terms and Conditions on the Sarahah website state no official age requirement. But there are much better ways to keep in touch with your friends. Looking at the reviews in the app stores there are 100’s of negative reviews; people reporting they’ve been bullied on the app. If your children are using this app my honest opinion is you should talk to them about why they need it, and the importance of knowing who they are communicating with.

If you have used this app, or if you have been called spiteful names, remember that they only have meaning if you choose to allow them too. I wrote a blog post a while back called ‘You’re not a Kettle’. Why not take a look at it while you’re here.